Generosity Makes “Las Cruces Collects” Possible June 4, 2009

The Mary and Bruce Streett family generously agreed to be part of “Las Cruces Collects,” the current exhibition at the Las Cruces Museum of Art. On display through Saturday, August 22nd, the show offers a rare look into the private art collections of area residents. Come learn the colorful tales behind these objects as well as what motivates a collector to collect.

For the Streett family, collecting has been a lifelong passion. Mary’s collection of lead figures, a few of which is on display, began when she was only ten years old. He father gave her several Civil War soldiers and the collection of royal figures belonged to her mother. A set of miniatures depicting The Delhi Durbars, a mass assembly in India to celebrate the coronation of a King and Queen of the United Kingdom, is also on display.

The rest of the collection reveals Bruce Streett’s passion for Shakespeare. The exhibition includes illustrations of scenes from “King Henry the Fourth” and “The Tempest.” Their pride in family heritage is evident in the collection’s Civil War ephemera, including a sword that has been passed down from generation to generation. Together this collection of treasures reflects the life that Mary and Bruce Streett built together.

The Streetts also have close personal ties to other collectors in this exhibition. Bruce Streett and Mr. Medoff were the founding partners for the American Southwest Theatre Company. Mary Streett is actively involved in many charitable organizations including the NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough to Wear Pink Campaign.

Exhibition hours are Monday-Friday, 10AM – 4PM, and Saturday, 9AM – 1PM. Admission is free. Funded by the City of Las Cruces, the Las Cruces Museum of Art is located at 491 North Main Street, at the north end of the Downtown Mall. Call 541-2137, or visit http://museums.las-cruces.org, for more information on exhibitions and Studio Program art classes